Sri Lanka batsman Dhananjaya de Silva has withdrawn from his country's Test tour of West Indies following the death of his father.

Dhananjaya's father Ranjan - a local politician - died on Thursday, having reportedly been shot by gunmen in a suburb of Colombo.

"Sri Lanka Cricket expresses its sincere condolences on the tragic demise of Mr. Ranjan De Silva, father of the national cricketer Dhananjaya De Silva," read an SLC statement on Friday.

"We are extremely shocked, perturbed and saddened by the great loss suffered by Dhananjaya and his family.

"Dhananjaya, who was set to leave for West Indies for a three-match Test series with the team today [25th May] will not travel with the team."

SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala added: "Sri Lanka Cricket will take every measure to support Dhananjaya at this time of sorrow and grief for him and his family, whilst giving him time to overcome the great pain and suffering caused by this tragedy."

In a statement reported by ESPNCricinfo, Dhananjaya said: "I am shocked and sad to inform all of you of a bereavement in my family, the untimely and unfortunate death of my loving dad Ranjan last night. All this almost on the eve of a very important Test series and tour of the West Indies.

"On behalf of my mother and immediate family please uphold us in your prayers and meditation. Tough as it is we will face the shocking change of events in our family going forward thro [sic] the next couple of days and will respect your understanding in terms of our privacy during this moment of grief.

"Thank you for all your concerns, sympathies and many messages received in all forms. I wish Team SL the very best during the tour of the Windies. Boys, even though I may not be around to battle the Windies while you do so my heart will always be with Team Sri Lanka."

The Test series between West Indies and Sri Lanka begins in Port of Spain on June 6.